Guest Post by Ashley Gustafson

This was my first time at WWDMAGIC and must I say, what an overall success!  I met so many established brands,  I was introduced to up-and-coming labels, I networked with a variety of talented fashion bloggers from all over the country and learned how to create a statement necklace in less than 10 minutes for under $10. You can’t beat that!

Overlooking the showroom floor from the Skybox was incredible. A colorful array of clothing, handbags and accessories lit up the Las Vegas Convention Center. Each booth was decorated in the style, look and feel of each brand. Whether you were getting splashed with paint at the Desigual booth or drinking pink champagne at the Kensie booth, you felt a connection with these brands, their product, and the people who represented them.

Some of my favorite brands this year at WWDMAGIC were Kensie, Desigual, Miss Me Jeans and XCVI. Kensie’s Fall 2011 collection contained solid earthy hues and lots of sheer while XCVI’s Summer 2011 collection featured plenty of crochet, regal lace and embroidered cotton. Each of these brands had a connection or wanted a connection with the fashion blogging community, which I saw as a step in the right direction in regards to social media.

The Teen Vogue Blogger Lounge incorporated a variety of stylish, young mature women who demonstrated a deep passion for fashion. Within the WWDMAGIC blogging community were daytime models, stylists, editors, real estate attorneys and even wireless geeks (like myself) whose part time job was blogging about her love for fashion. It was incredible to see how unique each blogger was and how each of us meshed together to create a first of its kind blogger lounge at WWDMAGIC.

Because of WWDMAGIC, I gained an understanding for a community I had never been able to see, a community I only dreamed of seeing. I made life-long friends and rekindled relationships with old ones, discovered new wild styles and trends, laughed, loved and lusted.

To sum it all up, here are 10 things that I learned from my participation at WWDMAGIC 2011:

1. Networking is key to a successful career.
2. Handbags can be made of seatbelts and still look as chic as ever.
3. Styles you would never dream of wearing are somehow next in line in your fall wardrobe.
4. Blogging is a full-time job.
5. Some looks never die out.
6. Jeggings are so in.
7. Three days fly by in an instant.
8. Believe in yourself and your brand.
9. Never feel demoralized.
10. A brand is only as good as the people who talk about it.

In the end, I would have never given up the chance to attend WWDMAGIC. It’s a place where you can learn the ins and outs of the fashion industry, make life-long connections, and discover your deepest desires. Confidence in my brand and myself has grown drastically because of WWDMAGIC and I only see the future getting brighter. The main lesson to be learned is market yourself and your talents. You’re only as good as you see yourself. Get to know your favorite brands and let them know how much you love them! And always remember…to be yourself.

About the Author:  Ashley Gustafson is a fashion-savvy online marketer and official WWDMagic show correspondent.  You can visit Ashley’s lifestyle blog, Fashionably Ashley, and follower her on Twitter @FashionablyA.